webnovel

All Too Late

Author: March Ebony
Urban
Completed · 119.2K Views
  • 116 Chs
    Content
  • ratings
  • NO.200+
    SUPPORT
Synopsis

An Chuyu's beauty was acclaimed as the ceiling of the entertainment industry, and every time she graced the red carpet, she overshadowed celebrities from all sides. Female stars who appeared alongside her felt immense pressure. Not only was she top-notch in terms of beauty, but her acting skills were also praised by renowned directors, her movie opportunities were enviable, making countless people in the industry green with envy, and she was a walking trending topic. There was a saying that marketing accounts could top half a year's performance just by reporting any gossip about An Chuyu. An Chuyu imagined she would ascend to new heights in her acting career, clutching more awards; but who knew, life is unpredictable, and with a single turn, she stepped into the halls of matrimony. It was a marriage arranged by their families, without any foundation of affection, not even understanding each other, having met just once before getting their marriage certificate. The only meeting they had was accompanied by lawyers from both sides when they were notarizing their properties and signing a prenuptial agreement to prevent future disputes in case of divorce, prepared to split at any moment. An Chuyu had one demand: to keep the marriage secret. Xi Zheng: Well done, getting banished to the cold palace right after the wedding :) * It was assumed that the marriage would be in name only, each doing their own thing, but unexpectedly, the two had a chance encounter in the romantic city of Paris, and sparks flew uncontrollably. After returning home, An Chuyu changed faces like a Sichuan opera performer, unrecognizable and continued her crusade in the entertainment industry. Xi Zheng, however, couldn't forget her and flirted with her now and then. …… Latter on, An Chuyu was snapped in the makeup room being intimately close with a man. It was confirmed that this man was none other than the power holder of Yueting, Xi Zheng. #AnChuyuSugarDaddyExposed# quickly soared to the top of the trending search. Fans were shocked, the haters became active, and her archenemies issued press releases one after another to overwhelm her. Xi Zheng couldn't hold back and sneaked onto the company's official Weibo to clarify himself: I am married to An Chuyu, and we have a son together. Thank you for your concern.

Chapter 1Chapter 1 She is My Wife

The backstage of the fashion show was buzzing and filled with cluttered footsteps and languages from all over the world, a stark contrast to the outside's bleak wind and cold rain, as if they were two different worlds.

An Chuyu stood before a makeup mirror rimmed with light bulbs, getting the final touches from the stylist—she had already put on the dress for the runway. To prevent wrinkling the skirts and affecting the aesthetic, she couldn't sit down to have her makeup done.

From the front, the music playing along the catwalk faintly reached her ears. Zhu Cuixi moved closer and whispered, "Sis, it's almost the last group."

She picked up the hem of An Chuyu's dress that was piled at her feet to facilitate her movement.

The stylist stepped aside, contemplating the makeup and hairstyle she had done for An Chuyu, and nodded, indicating it was perfect.

Wearing ten-centimeter high heels, An Chuyu walked towards the entrance of the catwalk.

She wasn't a professional model, but she was walking in the show tonight as the global ambassador for the luxury brand. The arrangement had been finalized half a year ago, and at that time the designer had even flown to China to tailor it for her personally.

"Sis, are you nervous?" Zhu Cuixi looked at her flawless, beautiful face under the lights, "If you feel nervous, just pretend that the audience is a bunch of carrots."

An Chuyu put up an index finger to her lips in a silencing gesture, signaling for her to quiet down.

Zhu Cuixi stuck out her tongue and kept quiet.

An Chuyu had been busy filming for months and was still training her catwalk with a modeling coach before flying to Paris. She had walked many red carpets, but this was her first runway show—there was a difference.

As the music by her ear shifted rhythm, An Chuyu took a deep breath and, following the designer's guidance, stepped confidently onto the stairs, walked straight for two meters, made a slight turn, and then appeared in everyone's line of sight, moving forward along the long T-shaped catwalk.

Models kept coming toward her, passing by her side.

The show-stopping, smoky purple dress An Chuyu wore was named "Oath." It had a strapless design with layers of pleated chiffon at the chest, and a train that swept the floor, embroidered in gold thread with Greek lettering. Under the bright lights, the fluttering chiffon and the shimmering Greek characters were like rippling gleams of light. If someone understood them, they would grasp why the piece was named "Oath"—every word stitched into it was a declaration of love.

To best showcase this dress, An Chuyu's long curls were all wound up and held in place with irregular Baroque pearls at the back of her head.

She just needed to make her way to the front, strike a pose, and then she could turn back.

An Chuyu thought this to herself, but an accident occurred in an instant. As a model walking in the opposite direction passed by her, her high heel stepped on the hem of An Chuyu's dress.

The strapless gown suddenly dropped, and a few muffled gasps rose from the audience. As a wardrobe malfunction was about to happen, An Chuyu reacted quickly. One hand on her hip, her knuckles pressed forcefully, firmly holding down the side of her chest, she stopped the dress from falling any further.

Out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed the model who caused the mishap and a chill settled in her heart.

Who else could it be but Qiao Lufei?

An Chuyu steadied her nerves and walked the remaining short distance with one hand still on her waist, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor.

Xi Zheng, sitting in the first row below the stage, had witnessed the entire incident. His hand, resting on his knee, clenched. He had felt anxious for her the moment the accident happened.

Xu Ye leaned forward from behind him, his voice very low, "I finally understand why Mr. Xi made time in his busy schedule to watch this fashion show."

Xi Zheng instead asked him, "Why is that?"

Xu Ye said, "According to the information we've gathered, Mrs. Madelon is a fan of An Chuyu. If we can invite An Chuyu to Mrs. Madelon's birthday party, it would definitely help us secure this cooperation..."

"She is my wife," Xi Zheng interrupted him.

Xu Ye's mind took a moment to catch up, "Who?"

"An Chuyu," Xi Zheng replied.

Xu Ye blanked for a second, surprise dawning in his eyes. Was Mr. Xi also a fan of An Chuyu? He had never heard about it before. Moreover, he was really a devoted fan of An Chuyu, unexpectedly passionate about following stars.

Xi Zheng watched An Chuyu's retreating figure, lost in thought.

After participating in the designer's curtain call, An Chuyu, hampered by the cumbersome dress, told Zhu Cuixi she was heading straight for the changing room.

Qiao Lufei was inside alone, which made it convenient for her to ask questions.

An Chuyu didn't disguise her anger as she cut to the chase, "Did you do it on purpose?"

As an assistant, Zhu Cuixi naturally protected her own people. Since she was in unfamiliar territory, she felt a bit worried, guarding outside the changing room, glancing around like a thief, constantly aware of her surroundings.

Qiao Lufei was the China region spokesperson for the same luxury brand, and her level of authority was different from An Chuyu's. It was an accident that they ended up on the same runway this time.

A model had a last-minute accident, and Qiao Lufei happened to be in Paris shooting a magazine cover. The vacancy coincidentally matched a gown named after her, called "Lufei".

With all factors in her favor, the brand called her to step in.

Qiao Lufei lowered her head to adjust the mint green tulle of her dress, speaking in an even tone, "What proof do you have that I did it on purpose? Your gown's train was too long, and I accidentally stepped on it. These little accidents happen all the time on the runway. Don't let your paranoia make you blame others for your own issues."

An Chuyu laughed, though her eyes didn't carry the joy: "Can't compete for movie resources, so you start playing dirty tricks? That's as far as you'll go."

Qiao Lufei paused, as if pricked by a needle, suddenly raising her head to look at An Chuyu, with flames of anger in her eyes.

An Chuyu still wore that non-smiling expression, "Struck a nerve? 'Dawn Breaks' has already wrapped up, and I didn't expect you to still be hung up on it."

Qiao Lufei: "An Chuyu, don't be so smug! Are you saying you didn't seek out Director Jiang behind the scenes?"

"Sorry, but Director Jiang approached me first." An Chuyu stepped closer to her, looking down from above, "It's not my fault if you're not as skilled. You'll probably lose more resources to others in the future. Besides, I didn't take it from you. Until you sign the contract, the role isn't yours. Qiao Lufei, after all these years in the industry, surely you understand that rule."

Both women had the kind of radiant beauty that appealed on screen, and they followed similar career paths. Battles for dominance were common, and their fans clashed over even the slightest disagreements.

Compared to An Chuyu, who had long been established in the film industry, Qiao Lufei, who had recently transitioned to the big screen, seemed to have a less stable foundation and was eager to prove herself.

Missing out on Director Jiang GuangLing's comeback film after six years had already filled Qiao Lufei with regret, and having An Chuyu overshadow her as the brand's endorser only made matters worse. Encountering her on the runway, where enemies become even more envious at sight, Qiao Lufei let her anger get the best of her, wanting only to embarrass her in public.

Lost in thought, a cool hand on her shoulder jolted Qiao Lufei back to reality.

An Chuyu offered her a faint smile, "You might not know this, but I'm not as easy-going as I appear on the surface. I hold grudges. I was lucky today, not to have a wardrobe malfunction in front of the cameras, but I'll still be holding you accountable for this."

Qiao Lufei felt a surge of unease flash in her eyes.

"What... are you going to do?" Her voice hesitated, betraying a lack of confidence.

An Chuyu raised her right hand, and Qiao Lufei squinted, instinctively wanting to dodge, but her shoulder was held tightly by An Chuyu. Her grip was strong, and Qiao Lufei couldn't break free at that moment.

The slap that Qiao Lufei anticipated did not come. Instead, the changing room door was pushed open, and someone barged in.

Zhu Cuixi stood at the doorway, speaking urgently, "Sis, this gentleman insisted on coming in. I couldn't stop him!"

An Chuyu's raised hand was grasped by a larger palm. She shifted her gaze onto the hand, noting its slender and fair fingers, with a wedding ring on the ring finger.

Xi Zheng pulled her aside a couple of steps.

An Chuyu glanced at the owner of the hand, finding his face somewhat familiar. She frowned, unable to recall who he was, so she asked coldly, "Who are you? Is it customary to barge into the ladies' changing room at will?"

Xi Zheng was taken aback, uncertain whether she was pretending not to recognize him because others were around or if she truly did not remember his face. Either way, he felt sufficiently frustrated.

Xi Zheng didn't answer her question and spoke in a voice meant for their ears alone, "Come out with me, I have something to tell you."

He didn't continue to detain An Chuyu, letting go of her hand and walking out of the changing room first.

Qiao Lufei, having narrowly escaped disaster, watched as the color slowly returned to her pale face and her heart still raced.

An Chuyu was perplexed. Initially not wanting to pay attention to the man's words, the next second, a flash of memory stopped her in her tracks.

She remembered.

That man was her husband, with whom she had registered their marriage half a year ago.

You May Also Like

The Martial Artist Turned Movie Mogul

[Entertainment Industry + Strong Female Lead + Refreshing Story + Hidden Identity] The Young Sect Master of the Tang Sect, Tang Shu, who was skilled in Poison Techniques and Hidden Weapons, had transmigrated and became an 18th-tier newbie, debuting as a supporting actress. After a variety show aired: Haters: "I actually think Tang Shu is kind of cute. Is there something wrong with me?" When the National Mechanical Engineering Research Institute announced: Miss Tang is our key-appointed research consultant. Haters: "What????" When an authoritative Chinese medicine expert revealed during an interview: The development of a new type of medicine owes much to Tang Shu. Haters: "Isn't this just too coincidental?" When the Porcelain Restoration Department openly stated: No one surpasses Tang Shu in the fields of porcelain restoration and calligraphy and painting. Haters: "Is this white lotus getting a bit too intoxicating?" When a Weibo big V with millions of fans accidentally revealed her face during a live broadcast... The haters all declared that their minds were blown! *** Jing Yu, the favored son of heaven, had always had an iron grip and a successful career until— he met Tang Shu. Inside the cinema, after watching four or five movies in a row, he realized the person sitting next to him hadn't changed, enjoying the popcorn with great relish. Jing Yu's throat moved slightly; this woman was flirting with him. Facing each other in a coffee shop, she casually pulled out a double-sided straw and placed it in her cup. Jing Yu's eyes tinted red; this woman was definitely flirting with him!

Rain Chen Zhenzhen · Urban
Not enough ratings
735 Chs

100 Days to Seduce the Devil

[Warning: R18+] When Hate turns into Love... and Vengeance turns into Passion... Will he choose to start over with her? ======= Phantomflake's soul got separated from her body after committing suicide in front of her enemy, Nathan Sparks, the Supreme Leader of Syphiruz Mafia. She woke up only to find out that her body (which was in a coma state) was being held captive by Nathan 'the Devil!', who was trying to prolong her life. And what was his motive? To kill her by his own hand and torture her to death! Nathan has a deep resentment against Phantomflake as she was the one who assassinated the most precious person in his life. He wanted revenge! And things just got more exciting when a magical creature appeared in front of Phantom's soul, giving her a ridiculous mission in exchange of regaining her body back. "Make him fall in love with you within 100 days!" The flying creature said, pointing his small paws at Nathan who expressionlessly stood next to her sickbed. With her eyes going round, Phantomflake made an 'you-got-to-be-kidding-me' face at the flying creature. No way! That's a mission impossible! This guy loathed her so much. How would she do that??! ****** Excerpt: Nathan grabbed her by her neck. "Don't play tricks with me, Phantomflake." Nathan's cold voice reverberated inside the room, his eyes burning with rage. But Phantomflake just smirked at him, pressing her hands against his chest, her fingers teasing him. "You can't kill me, Nate. Just admit it. You've already fallen for me." With one swift move, Phantomflake pulled his shirt, closing their gaps as she crushed her lips against his lips. Surprisingly, Nathan just found himself responding to her. He lost! He couldn't resist her. ===== I owned the Book Cover (=";"=) Artist: Bea Cortez Join Author's server to get updates and announcements about the book. Discord link: https://discord.gg/WymeFaeQe

ellezar_g · Urban
4.7
913 Chs

Billionaire's Contracted & Unloved Wife

"Shying away from your wifely duties, little wife?" He questioned in a husky voice, lowering his face to hers. Ariel quickly turned her head away, "No, Mr. Chaz, you're misunderstanding me again," She voiced quietly. Aiden scoffed, not believing her. He looked down at his chest and found her slim hand still placed against it. "You're quite corny, Ariel. Saying you don't want me, yet you're hands are all over me," Aiden whispered in her ear. *** After overhearing her father and stepmother planning how they were going to marry her off in place of her Stepsister to the unsuccessful son of their debtor. That night, Ariel plans her run away, but that same night, Ariel mysteriously gets kidnapped. Waking up to discover she'd been kidnapped by the same people she was trying to run away from made her life seem like it had hit rock bottom. Now, she was going to be forced into a marriage with a man she didn't know and didn't love. But, would everything remain the same for her when she discovers that her new husband was the richest Billionaire in the country? Chaz Aiden was a successful billionaire with billions of businesses all over the world and zero interest in women, especially after his mother had divorced his father for a richer man. When his grandmother asked him to do him a favor by marrying the Hudson family's daughter, he knew it was for the sake of greed. He swore to make his new wife's life a living hell, making sure he reminded her that she would always be an object he purchased, contracted and never to be loved.

Rosegold_n · Urban
4.2
195 Chs
Table of Contents

ratings

  • Overall Rate
  • Translation Quality
  • Updating Stability
  • Story Development
  • Character Design
  • world background
Reviews
Liked
Newest

SUPPORT